Shelley Heffler

Shelley Heffler was born and raised in the Bronx. She attended the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York where she studied interior design, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Art. She graduated from Cal State Northridge with a Master’s degree in fine art followed by a teaching credential. She traveled extensively throughout Europe and Asia photographing the lives of fascinating people and the rich cultural landscape they live in. On returning from her travels, she settled in Los Angeles where she taught ceramics and fine art for L.A. Unified School District for over 25 years. Additionally, she was an adjunct professor at Otis College of Art and Design, a Nationally Board-Certified Professional Educator, and a mentor teacher. Her exhibition history includes the Los Angeles County Museum of Art rental gallery, the Los Angeles Municipal Art Gallery and group shows throughout the United States. Her work has been reviewed in the British magazine Hedge, Los Angeles Times, LA Independent, Daily News, San Diego Tribune and San Diego Art Review. Interviews with Heffler can be found in Elevated Magazine, Rebel Canvas, Bold Journey, Art and Cake, and Voyage L.A.  She was nominated for the Awards for the Visual Arts, and received a Fellowship from Funds for Teachers. Her paintings and photographs are in the collections of many collectors across the United States.  She has been identified as "One to Watch" by Saatchi Online, and featured in “Art Pins”. Since the pandemic, Shelley has created outstanding community outreach program including ‘Home’, for which 130 quilt pieces were donated and auctioned to benefit the unhoused and the Artist in Residency at Inglewood’s Rogers Park and ‘It Takes a Village’ quilt project with the community of Inglewood. Her studio is located at the Perez Art and Design Plaza in Cathedral City, California.